Quick facts + info

A little backstory

Eat, drink, and be merry

• The Granfalloon Restaurant & Bar
• McCormick & Schmick’s
• Cooper’s Hawk
• Gram & Dun
• Rye

• Polsinelli Main Stage on the Wornall Bridge
• Local Music Stage at the intersection of Ward Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue
• Acoustic Stage at the intersection of Nichols Road and Central Street

Special attractions

• Joe Pera: The PERAs Tour | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 8 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $38+ | Let the comedian lull you into laughter with his gentle and calm yet hilarious deliveries, as seen on HBO and Adult Swim.

• American Red Cross Blood Drive | Friday, Sept. 20 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | National WWI Museum and Memorial | Donation encouraged | Blood was stored for future transfusions for the first time in WWI, continue the patriotic tradition to receive one free pass to the Museum and Memorial.
• Quirk Day | Friday, Sept. 20 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m. | Boulevard Brewing Tours & Recreation Center | Free entry | Declared an official city holiday by Mayor Q, celebrate the seltzer with an exclusive tasting and enter to win a $400 gift card.
• Kansas City Current vs. Washington Spirit | Friday, Sept. 20 | 7 p.m. | CPKC Stadium | $72+ | There’s only four more home games to catch the Current during CPKC’s inaugural season.

• Expanding Horizons | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kansas City Convention Center | $30 | KC Black Owned is inviting local business leaders to join for a full lineup of experienced speakers and sponsors ready to spoil you with treats + goodies.
• Ground Cherry & Garlic Festival | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | River Bluff Market & Community Engagement Center, Independence | Free entry | Learn, purchase, plant + cook these two super foods at the farmers market before exploring DIY cider-making and gardening classes at the fest.
• 32nd Annual Waldo Fall Festival | Saturday, Sept. 21 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Gregory & Wornall Parking Lot | Free entry | Shop, explore, and enjoy entertainment from all that Waldo and local vendors can offer, plus family fun activities.

• Kansas City Home Show | Saturday, Sept. 21-Sunday, Sept. 22 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Kansas City Convention Center | $10 | Inspire your next minor reno or major remodel with interactive exhibits from local pros spanning lighting and landscaping to pavers and painting.

Come for the bands

• Surfin’ USA | 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
• The Original Silver Bullet | 3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Revelation: A Tribute to Journey | 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
• Four Fried Chickens and a Coke | 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.

Stay for the activities

• Food trucks, local spirits, yard games, face painting + a balloon artist
• The Midwest Elite Cornhole Tournament, featuring two-person teams (must be 18+) competing for a prize
• Free whiskey and beer tastings

• The Chiefs have their first away game against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday, Sept. 22, but there are still plenty of ways to party at home. Score some new items for your watch party snack table or visit this GOAT-inspired corn maze. (The Pitch + Kansas City Star)

• Flying high. Kansas City International Airport landed No. 3 on J.D. Power’s North America Airport Satisfaction Study. People seemed to love the new $1.5 billion 40-gate terminal — which had a record-breaking summer.

• There’s a new addition to our West 39th Street itinerary: Chingona Yoga KC. Stop by the studio at 1807 W 39th St. for daily yoga classes that fit any body and any budget — and don’t forget to reward yourself afterwards with a little Dragonfly Tea Zone next door.

• There’s no such thing as shopping too early for the holiday season (even if it’s still technically summer). Made in KC announced its first batch of retired Plaza light ornaments are dropping soon. Sign up for text notifications to snag your own before they sell out.

• It’s the end of the road for Blue Highway. The new American restaurant has permanently closed its South Plaza location at 5070 Main St. It’s owners thanked customers for its “three year adventure” but offered no explanation for the decision.

• Did we say $4 million? We meant $4 billion. That means the economic impact of KC’s 28.4 million visitors in 2023 is nearly double our city’s entire budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

• If your pup is looking to socialize with other furry friends, CITYDOGs’ next Indoor Member Mingle (aka an indoor play date) is happening on Thursday, Sept. 26, 5-7 p.m. Pro tip: Non-members can join for $10. The event is free, but registration is required. Secure your spot.*

• Nike just dropped the all-new Pegasus 41. Engineered for runners who demand more, this shoe offers unparalleled comfort + responsiveness on the road. Shop it and unlock speed.*

• As World Cup-related projects roll in, local businesses will get first dibs on proposal requests — just make sure to fill out the World Cup Business Interest Form by the end of this year.
• If you’re down to do more than just volunteer, keep an eye out on KC2026’s career page. It’s currently on the lookout for a Director of Fan Fest and Events.